HURRICANE SEASON PREPAREDNESS IMPORTANT FOR PROTECTING FLORIDA’S ENVIRONMENT

TALLAHASSEE – With the Atlantic hurricane season upon us once again, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection encourages Floridians to prepare now before a storm hits. It is essential for residents, businesses and organizations to take the time to make sure household hazardous materials are properly stored or disposed of to reduce the likelihood of pollutants escaping into the environment.

DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. said, “Sunday officially marked the start of the 2014 hurricane season. While the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the slowest we've seen, there were three significant weather events that impacted Florida, including Tropical Storm Andrea. From experience, we understand that taking precautions and being prepared is vital to protecting Florida and its residents."

It is important to store hazardous materials properly. Be sure they are not stored in low-lying areas that are subjected to flood zones, and are not left near windows. Placing these materials on secured shelving can limit the possibility of emission into our environment.

“Preparing chemicals and waste, planning for the effects of a storm, and communicating with the state before and after a storm are crucial steps for protecting Florida’s environment when a storm makes landfall,” said Gwen Keenan, director of DEP’s Office of Emergency Response. “While we may not be able to prevent damage, like beach erosion from heavy rain and wind, the spill of hazardous chemicals can largely be stopped before it happens.”

The following materials should be stored in accordance with manufacturer's directions, as well as state or federal regulations.

Paints, stains and adhesives

Solvents, fuel, oil and antifreeze

Batteries

Pesticides

Fertilizers

Expired medication

Mercury—fluorescent bulbs, thermostats and thermometers

Propane tanks and aerosol cans

Household cleaners

Keenan added, “Predictions for the 2014 Atlantic hurricane season indicate the likelihood of a slow season, with NOAA projecting a normal-to-below-normal activity this year. Eight to 13 tropical storms are predicted, with three to six of them expected to become hurricanes. As many as two of them could be major hurricanes.

"Despite that prediction, no one should be complacent. 1992 was projected to be a slow year, but Hurricane Andrew roared ashore proving it only takes one storm to severely impact our state."

The department recommends residents check all property, including storage units and recreational vehicles, to dispose of unwanted hazardous material. Attention to hazardous materials before a storm arrives can help protect your family, property and Florida's environment after the storm passes.

Click here to find a household hazardous waste disposal facility near you and to get additional information about disposing of waste.

Click here for additional hurricane preparedness information from the Division of Emergency Management.

Also, to help Floridians prepare for hurricane season, this year’s Florida Legislature established a tax–free holiday from May 31 to June 8 for you to purchase supplies that will help you during an emergency. Click here for more information

STATE PARK IMPROVEMENTS TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY

Newly renovated walkways at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

TALLAHASSEE – All Florida residents and visitors deserve an opportunity to access and experience Florida's award-winning state parks. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection today announced the completion of several walkway renovations at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park that mark progress toward that goal.

The Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park walkways project involved the construction of concrete ramps to provide greater access to the boathouse and gazebo areas. Additionally, many of the existing pavers were leveled and secured in place with concrete shoulders to increase safety for all park visitors.

"One of my main priorities for the department is to provide residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy Florida's award-winning state parks," said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. "These projects are essential to making our parks more accessible and safer for all visitors."

This is just one of many projects that are in progress or beginning soon at state parks across Florida.

At St. George Island State Park, renovations of two sections of the boardwalk begin next week to connect parking areas to the beach. This project includes replacing steps and adjusting the slopes of the boardwalks to provide easier passage to the four-mile-long beach.

Blue Spring State Park is adding two campground bathhouses and four new ADA-compliant campsites, with construction for these projects beginning June 15.

On June 30, Falling Waters State Park will begin the installation of a connector trail and two parking stalls that meet ADA standards to provide access to a recently constructed boardwalk that leads to the swimming area.

Ochlockonee River State Park is modifying its boardwalk down to the river to provide for an ADA-compliant canoe and kayak launch area. The park is also replacing its restroom facility and adding additional handicap parking spaces.

Additionally, Wekiwa Springs State Park has begun the construction of an ADA youth camp. This project includes extending the current walkways that connect existing cabins and the swimming pool, and building new accessible walkways.

This fall, Florida Caverns State Park is increasing the number of handicap parking spaces and will be adding a new walkway that will provide access to the visitor center. Also planned for later this year at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, the department is looking to construct ADA-accessible boardwalks and sidewalks to six bathhouses and various beach access points. Many of the park's wooden boardwalks are being converted to concrete and their slopes reduced for easier use.

STATE PARK IMPROVEMENTS TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY

Newly renovated walkways at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

TALLAHASSEE – All Florida residents and visitors deserve an opportunity to access and experience Florida's award-winning state parks. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection today announced the completion of several walkway renovations at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park that mark progress toward that goal.

The Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park walkways project involved the construction of concrete ramps to provide greater access to the boathouse and gazebo areas. Additionally, many of the existing pavers were leveled and secured in place with concrete shoulders to increase safety for all park visitors.

"One of my main priorities for the department is to provide residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy Florida's award-winning state parks," said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. "These projects are essential to making our parks more accessible and safer for all visitors."

This is just one of many projects that are in progress or beginning soon at state parks across Florida.

At St. George Island State Park, renovations of two sections of the boardwalk begin next week to connect parking areas to the beach. This project includes replacing steps and adjusting the slopes of the boardwalks to provide easier passage to the four-mile-long beach.

Blue Spring State Park is adding two campground bathhouses and four new ADA-compliant campsites, with construction for these projects beginning June 15.

On June 30, Falling Waters State Park will begin the installation of a connector trail and two parking stalls that meet ADA standards to provide access to a recently constructed boardwalk that leads to the swimming area.

Ochlockonee River State Park is modifying its boardwalk down to the river to provide for an ADA-compliant canoe and kayak launch area. The park is also replacing its restroom facility and adding additional handicap parking spaces.

Additionally, Wekiwa Springs State Park has begun the construction of an ADA youth camp. This project includes extending the current walkways that connect existing cabins and the swimming pool, and building new accessible walkways.

This fall, Florida Caverns State Park is increasing the number of handicap parking spaces and will be adding a new walkway that will provide access to the visitor center. Also planned for later this year at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, the department is looking to construct ADA-accessible boardwalks and sidewalks to six bathhouses and various beach access points. Many of the park's wooden boardwalks are being converted to concrete and their slopes reduced for easier use.

STATE PARK IMPROVEMENTS TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY

Newly renovated walkways at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

TALLAHASSEE – All Florida residents and visitors deserve an opportunity to access and experience Florida's award-winning state parks. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection today announced the completion of several walkway renovations at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park that mark progress toward that goal.

The Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park walkways project involved the construction of concrete ramps to provide greater access to the boathouse and gazebo areas. Additionally, many of the existing pavers were leveled and secured in place with concrete shoulders to increase safety for all park visitors.

"One of my main priorities for the department is to provide residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy Florida's award-winning state parks," said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. "These projects are essential to making our parks more accessible and safer for all visitors."

This is just one of many projects that are in progress or beginning soon at state parks across Florida.

At St. George Island State Park, renovations of two sections of the boardwalk begin next week to connect parking areas to the beach. This project includes replacing steps and adjusting the slopes of the boardwalks to provide easier passage to the four-mile-long beach.

Blue Spring State Park is adding two campground bathhouses and four new ADA-compliant campsites, with construction for these projects beginning June 15.

On June 30, Falling Waters State Park will begin the installation of a connector trail and two parking stalls that meet ADA standards to provide access to a recently constructed boardwalk that leads to the swimming area.

Ochlockonee River State Park is modifying its boardwalk down to the river to provide for an ADA-compliant canoe and kayak launch area. The park is also replacing its restroom facility and adding additional handicap parking spaces.

Additionally, Wekiwa Springs State Park has begun the construction of an ADA youth camp. This project includes extending the current walkways that connect existing cabins and the swimming pool, and building new accessible walkways.

This fall, Florida Caverns State Park is increasing the number of handicap parking spaces and will be adding a new walkway that will provide access to the visitor center. Also planned for later this year at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, the department is looking to construct ADA-accessible boardwalks and sidewalks to six bathhouses and various beach access points. Many of the park's wooden boardwalks are being converted to concrete and their slopes reduced for easier use.

STATE PARK IMPROVEMENTS TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY

Newly renovated walkways at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

TALLAHASSEE – All Florida residents and visitors deserve an opportunity to access and experience Florida's award-winning state parks. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection today announced the completion of several walkway renovations at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park that mark progress toward that goal.

The Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park walkways project involved the construction of concrete ramps to provide greater access to the boathouse and gazebo areas. Additionally, many of the existing pavers were leveled and secured in place with concrete shoulders to increase safety for all park visitors.

"One of my main priorities for the department is to provide residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy Florida's award-winning state parks," said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. "These projects are essential to making our parks more accessible and safer for all visitors."

This is just one of many projects that are in progress or beginning soon at state parks across Florida.

At St. George Island State Park, renovations of two sections of the boardwalk begin next week to connect parking areas to the beach. This project includes replacing steps and adjusting the slopes of the boardwalks to provide easier passage to the four-mile-long beach.

Blue Spring State Park is adding two campground bathhouses and four new ADA-compliant campsites, with construction for these projects beginning June 15.

On June 30, Falling Waters State Park will begin the installation of a connector trail and two parking stalls that meet ADA standards to provide access to a recently constructed boardwalk that leads to the swimming area.

Ochlockonee River State Park is modifying its boardwalk down to the river to provide for an ADA-compliant canoe and kayak launch area. The park is also replacing its restroom facility and adding additional handicap parking spaces.

Additionally, Wekiwa Springs State Park has begun the construction of an ADA youth camp. This project includes extending the current walkways that connect existing cabins and the swimming pool, and building new accessible walkways.

This fall, Florida Caverns State Park is increasing the number of handicap parking spaces and will be adding a new walkway that will provide access to the visitor center. Also planned for later this year at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, the department is looking to construct ADA-accessible boardwalks and sidewalks to six bathhouses and various beach access points. Many of the park's wooden boardwalks are being converted to concrete and their slopes reduced for easier use.